United States President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a substantial tariff on Canada as part of an escalating trade dispute. Trump took to Truth Social on Thursday, January 29, to reveal his intention to levy a 50% tariff on all aircraft sold to the US from Canada. This decision follows Canada’s alleged refusal to certify multiple Gulfstream jets, prompting Trump’s retaliatory measure.
In a separate move, Trump had previously threatened to impose a 100% tariff on goods imported from Canada if the country proceeded with a trade agreement with China. Trump’s recent post on Truth Social accused Canada of unjustly and unlawfully denying certification for Gulfstream 500, 600, 700, and 800 Jets. He further stated that the US would decertify Canada’s Bombardier Global Expresses aircraft until Gulfstream jets receive full certification.
Trump asserted that Canada is obstructing the sale of Gulfstream products in the country through the certification process. He warned that if the situation is not promptly rectified, he would enforce a 50% tariff on all aircraft sold to the United States from Canada. This unprecedented move of decertifying jets directly by a president has raised concerns among industry experts, with Richard Aboulafia, managing director of AeroDynamic Advisory, criticizing the use of aircraft safety as a tool in a trade dispute.
The ongoing feud between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has added tension to the situation. Trump’s aggressive stance on trade issues with Canada continues to fuel uncertainty in the international trade landscape.